An Xbox Live beta will begin on March 25, allowing select users early access to the game's multiplayer component and two of its maps. Retailer GameStop will distribute beta keys to the first 5,000 people that pre-order the title.

"We're really excited about this beta since it gives us a chance to let a wider audience play our new multiplayer game [mode], Gold Rush," said senior producer Karl-Magnus. "The feedback coming back from something like this is crucial for us as developers and will help us with the final changes and polish in the game."

For more on Battlefield: Bad Company and its Gold Rush multiplayer mode, scope out our recent impressions and check out the multiplayer tutorial movie below.

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